Asserting that the Election Commission will have to work within the Constitutional provisions, relevant acts and electoral laws, it rejected the view of the Press Council of India that its recommendations on 'paid news' should be binding on the EC. It turned down another proposal of the PCI for deputing journalists/senior citizens as election observers to monitor paid news.

The Commission will take due cognisance of the recommendations of the PCI in alleged incidents of paid news. It, however, does not agree that recommendations of the Press Council should be binding on the Commission. Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, said that the EC is doing its best in the matter and assures further cooperation. The EC had earmarked specific divisions in its office to receive complaints related to paid news and take action.

Published Date : Tuesday, Oct 05, 03:15PM IST

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